بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
 

In the name of the Almighty اللهُ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate, the Lord of all creations in the universe. May peace and blessings be upon Prophet مُحَمَّدُ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ his family, and his companions.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Group, Mr Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo; Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Ms Aminath Shauna, Chairperson of Ooredoo Group, Ms Fatima Al Kuwari, Managing Director and CEO of Ooredoo Maldives, Mr Khalid Al Hamadi, Cabinet Ministers, business leaders, officials from the Government, ladies and gentlemen.

السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُه
 

I am deeply honoured and it is my great pleasure to stand in front of this spectacular building, the inauguration of the Ooredoo Maldives Headquarters in this city, Hulhumalé in the Maldives. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the whole team of Ooredoo Maldives for the achievements that they have made over the past 18 years.

Ooredoo Maldives has been more than a partner, they have been a driving force in evolving our telecommunications infrastructure, connecting our islands, and bringing us closer to the world. Their investments and technologies have improved connectivity, helping us overcome geographical barriers and opening up new opportunities for our people.

As we strive to become a digital nation, Ooredoo Maldives has been with us every step of the way. They've done more than improve connectivity, they've created an environment where citizens can access information, education, and economic opportunities no matter where they are in the country. All these complement our efforts to drive our nation's digital economy forward.

Under this administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, we have launched 'OneGov', an innovative platform integrating government services through a modern digital interface. We have also introduced a mobile application for our national digital ID system, 'eFaas,' empowering individuals to authenticate their identity both in person and online. We have also made broadband and mobile internet more accessible and affordable than ever.

Today we are living in a world of technology. Technology has changed the way we think, the way we work, and the way we learn too. The way we also do business. Mobile phones and Wi-Fi has become a basic need like water and air, and trees and roof on our head.

I would also like to mention Ooredoo's role in an island nation like this. With those technological innovations that were provided had helped us tremendously, across the nation.

We believe Ooredoo's contributions extend beyond telecommunications. They have been there for us during crises; from the 2004 tsunami to the Covid-19 pandemic, providing crucial aid and digital solutions. As we stand here today at the inauguration of the Ooredoo Maldives Headquarters, we acknowledge your pivotal role in our journey towards digital transformation.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ooredoo Group, Ooredoo Maldives, and the dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to the development of our nation and their dedication to building a digital Maldives. Their steadfast support during times of crisis is a testament to their commitment to our community.

Before I conclude, I would also like to give special thanks to the whole Ooredoo team. I can also see the former CEO and Managing Director whom we have worked with very closely, especially in the times of need. And also the present current CEO and MD Mr Khalid Al Hamadi.

This might be my last time as Vice President on a stage like this. I am just going closer and closer to the end of my term. But, it will never end. We have lots of aspiration. We in the Maldives, we want to achieve so many things. I can see the Minister of Technology right in front of me who has worked so hard tremendously, tirelessly she has worked in the past few years to make all these achievements.

I would like to assure you; the whole of Ooredoo Group, and the whole team that the Government will always be there to do, to give every support we can for the betterment of our country. For advancing and enhancing the services that are provided by you to our people.

I also express our gratitude again to Ooredoo for being an integral partner in our journey towards progress. As we look ahead, we eagerly anticipate continued collaboration with Ooredoo for the betterment of our beloved nation and our people.

Thank you very much.

وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُه